German state leader criticizes Chancellor Merz over planned cuts to child maintenance payments

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Minister President Manuela Schwesig has strongly criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding proposed cuts to child maintenance payments. Schwesig, a prominent figure in the SPD party, stated that Merz and Federal Family Minister Karin Prien fail to grasp the realities faced by single parents and their children.

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The recent statements by the Federal Chancellor and Federal Minister Prien show that they have not understood the life situation of single parents and their children.

"The recent statements by the Federal Chancellor and Federal Minister Prien show that they have not understood the life situation of single parents and their children," Schwesig told Der Spiegel. She emphasized that many single parents work but still rely on state support through child maintenance payments, especially when one parent fails to meet their financial obligations.

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Also children in this age need support.

Family Minister Prien, a member of Merz's CDU party, has proposed reducing the duration of these payments. Currently provided until a child's 18th birthday, the plan suggests ending them at age 16. This move has drawn criticism from the SPD, the coalition partner in the federal government.

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The increased expenses for child maintenance must not be a reason for savings measures at the expense of children. They show that the topic has even gained in importance.

Chancellor Merz had previously defended the plan, suggesting that by age 16, parents, particularly single mothers, should be capable of entering the workforce. However, Schwesig countered that children aged 16 or 17 incur costs and require support. She argued that increased spending on child maintenance highlights its growing importance, not a reason for austerity measures that disadvantage children. Schwesig, who previously served as Federal Family Minister, was involved in expanding these payments in 2013-2017. Merz has since shown willingness to discuss the SPD's concerns, acknowledging the proposal is not yet finalized legislation.

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This is a balancing act that we are undertaking, not a finalized piece of legislation.